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Tuesday, March 16, 2010

LSC Roundup 3-16

NCAA Basketball Playoffs

Emporia State cruises into Elite EightEmporia State's Lady Hornets left little doubt Monday which team was best in the South Central Region women's basketball tournament. Behind a dominating performance keyed by a 22-4 run in the first half, the Hornets dismantled Northeastern State, 76-45, before about 500 fans at the First United Bank Center to earn a berth in the Division II Elite Eight at St. Joseph, Mo.

Gholson: Mustangs finally have Dome Magic on their sideIt has been 10 long years since Midwestern State made its one and only appearance in the NCAA Division II version of the Sweet 16. That night back in 2000 wasn’t so sweet for MSU. Playing on its home court in Joplin, Mo., Missouri Southern ended Midwestern’s season, 92-83.

Twice since then the Mustangs won their way into the South Central Region semifinals but lost both times. Each of those tournaments were played on Central Missouri’s court in Warrensburg. Each time UCM advanced to the Elite Eight.

The Mules are back in the South Central championship game for the third time in four years. This time, however, they will have to win it on somebody else’s court.

In November, Green Bay Packers cornerback Al Harris suffered a devastating injury to his left knee that ended his season. A few days later, he vowed to come back within six months.

Now, the process has begun.

Harris is working out daily at the Atlantic Rehabilitation Center in Miami and will record videos for readers of the National Football Post to follow his rehab and road to recovery.

“I pretty much tore up the lateral side of my knee,” Harris says. “I’m here right now documenting this thing so you out there can know what we have to go through to get back on the field.”

It won’t be easy. Harris, who underwent surgery on his knee six weeks ago, must endure a series of tortuous stretches and training exercises by a team of rehab specialists who hope to prepare him for his 13th NFL season. He has promised not only to play next season but says he intends to play three or four more years.

Watch the video to see highlights of Harris’ workout. You’ll find out what the word “towel” means in his rehab.

And join Al over the next several weeks on his journey back to the field as he challenges extreme odds toward making a full recovery.